Avis Loeffler

Avis Jefferies Harrison Loeffler, 85, of Junction, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Kimble Hospital.

Just before her passing, both of Avis’ daughters were there with her, holding her hands able to tell her she was the best mother in the world, how much they loved her and that they’d see her again.

Avis was born in Olton, Texas, to Vernon Jefferies and Edyth Shipley Jefferies on April 16, 1936. She graduated from Olton High School in 1954. While Avis was attending Texas Tech University, 1954-1956, she met James D. Harrison. Following his proposal to her, he was drafted into the army. They married on September 15, 1956, and they were on their way to a life of adventure, beginning in San Francisco. Being from farming and ranching families, they were out to see the world, and their daughters got to go along for the ride.  Thirty-two years of Jim’s job with the Corps of Engineers sent them around the world.

In high school Avis was involved in the Olton High School Band, Olton FHA going to state twice and nationals once. She was nominated Best All Around in high school (living up to that all of her life).

In California she worked at an advertising agency.

While living in San Antonio with her husband working on the River Walk, they were involved in the Officers Club and attended Sunset Ridge Church of Christ where she was a Sunday school teacher. During a three-month contract in Mississippi, Avis and Jim obtained their basic certification in Naui and Padi scuba.

She became a real estate agent in New Mexico and the couple belonged to a Snow Mobiling Club, Square Dancing Club and the Elks Club.

Avis was a teacher at the Riyadh International Community School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and was a member of the Saudi Arabia Corps of Engineers Women’s Auxiliary.

Then having returned to Texas she obtained a Texas real estate agent license and held a Texas Real-estate Brokers license up until 2019, and had been a member of the Century 21 Million Dollar Real Estate Club, was a member of Trailwood Garden Club (president for three terms) and was made an honorary lifetime member, member of Possum Kingdom Scuba Club at Scuba Point, they ranched in Terrell County and Kimble County, farmed in Lamb County, and were partial owners of Dryden Rock Quarry, Texas Wool and Mohair Association members. After Jim retired, they began raising ostrich in Kimble County before he passed away in 1994.

Avis married Gerald Loeffler on November 2, 1996, at the Ivy Chapel between Junction and London. They had been married for 21 years and were members of College Street Church of Christ and Rotary Club. She was selected as Junction Rotarian of the Year 2008-2009. She was also a member of Leti Club. Avis and Gerald loved to travel to watch and support the grandchildren in all their athletic and academic endeavors.

Avis was preceded in death by her first husband, James D. Harrison; her second husband, Gerald Loeffler; brother, John Jefferies; step-son, David Loeffler and nephew, Scott Jefferies.

Avis is survived by her daughters, Sharla Harrison and Neva (Mike) Halliday; sister, Doris (Bob) Murray; step-daughters, Diane (David) Whitworth and Linda (Gene) Geistweidt; three grandchildren, Jamie Halliday Boles, Chance Halliday, McKenzie Harrison-Bolen; two great-grandchildren, Madison Boles and Grayson Boles; and seven step-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Connor Darling, Kenneth Darling, Chance Halliday, Mike Halliday, Justin Rotge and Luis Tinajero. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Cardwell, Linwood Hawkins, Floyd Light, Charles Loeffler, Bob Murray, Rob Roy Spiller, Martin Tinajero, Larry Trimble and the family of Gerald Loeffler.

Memorials may be given to Cal Farley Boys Ranch Children’s Home or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family of Avis Loeffler wishes to extend its sincere thanks to Kimble Hospital staff, New Century Hospice and Betty Nethery for her daily thoughtfulness.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 30, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Kimble Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at College Street Church of Christ with Bryce Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Junction Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home.